A magazine writer had less-than-great experiences with several big online dating websites.

Not one mentioned her crime, or anything about prison.

The women instead describe themselves as enjoying long walks on the beach, romantic evenings by the fireplace, etc.

This is partly because many people write poor ads, and then place them in the wrong venues. Write your personal ad around conversation starters.

E.g., writing that you're new in town prompts a variety of questions, such as "Where did you move from?E.g., an incarcerated woman could write that she committed a crime when she was immature, but prison has helped her grow and now she's sorry for what she'd done.This leads to asking about the crime, what prison has taught her, etc. Disclose an unattractive feature in a way that shows your good character.Buyers and sellers know at a glance that you're trustworthy.If they want to be sure, they can read each comment written about you.At first this feels like going to the Humane Society to pick out a puppy... E.g., one young woman described herself as "honest, intelligent, with a heart of gold." Her rap sheet says that she's serving 25 years for homicide.